Apparel buyers from Spain come under attack

BKMEA seeks security for buyers

 

A seven-member team of readymade garment (RMG) buyers from Spain came under attack on Saturday during Jamaat-Shibir men’s mayhem in the city’s Merul-Badda area, said an exporter.

 

One of the buyers – Walid Samaha – suffered injuries when the attackers vandalised their car during the attack around 8:45am.

 

“It’s very unfortunate. They got panicked following the attack and decided to leave Bangladesh tomorrow (Sunday) without placing any order,” Mohammad Hatem, first vice president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), told UNB over phone.

 

He said the buyer of the Spain used to import knit apparels worth US$ 40 million each year and today he was going to negotiate in a factory owned by BKMEA President AKM Selim Osman who provides nearly products US$ 30 million.

 

“The seven-member team came for negotiations and place orders for the next year order. Once the buyer finds alternative, he’ll never come back to us.”

 

Hatem also said the incident tarnished the country’s image further. “Such incident is in no way acceptable.”

 

The BKMEA leader demanded security from the government for the buyers so that they can move freely in this crisis situation. “It’s important to provide security for them as the country’s image is involved in it,” he added.

 

However, no case was filed in this regard.

Source: UNB Connect